When the temperature drops, that’s the time you go inside and hunker down for warmth. It’s the same case during the pandemic, even if you’ve been at home the entire year. The only difference is that you turn on the thermostat or get a fire going. But what about your pets?
Typically, your pet might have open access to your home, and as well it should; with the temperature outside dropping to zero or even lower, they will freeze to death if left to their own devices. It is a pet owner’s responsibility to make sure that they are safe. However, how do you manage to keep them satisfied if they haven’t been very active because of the pandemic?
Here are a few useful tips on how you can keep your furry friend active and about even during a pandemic winter.
Mind Their Feet, Tail, and Ears
A pet’s legs, tail, and ears are most susceptible to the harsh conditions of winter. Frostbite is one of the worst things that can happen to your pet. If you’re taking your pet on a walk, be sure to minimize the time that they’re out there. A dog or cat could suffer quickly if you forgot to let them inside before the temperature drops. Booties are a good idea, but nothing beats the warmth of the indoors. If you must, wipe their paws with a towel as soon as they get indoors to prevent them from licking anything harmful.
An Active Pet Is a Happy Pet
Dogs and cats are different in that a dog’s meal consists of all the minerals, calories, and vitamins that they need. In a season like winter, food might not suffice, given how little or how many activities can be done in the snow. There will be pets who don’t like the snow, and there are those who are more active during winter. For those pets, you need to compensate for added calories and vitamins to protect against cold-borne diseases. As for the pets who choose to stay chill indoors, you need to lessen their calorie intake.
Keep your Pet on their Toes
If you have a pet taking on a little weight, doctors advise that there are ways to make them get a little exercise while snacking. This is especially important if you’ve bought land for sale that’s not wide enough to give them a run. Pets that are motivated by food can be made to move in exchange for a treat. There are also other exercises designed to mentally stimulate these pets, giving them a good workout and activity simultaneously.
A Steady Access to Food and Water
It is not advisable that you leave your animals outside at prolonged times during the winter, even during the daytime. If you must do it, remember to keep their access to food and water unimpeded. This means you should keep snowdrifts plowed, ice removed, and other obstacles that may stop them from accessing food and water out of their way.
Provide an Enclosure
If you’re one of those who cannot have pets inside your home because of allergic conditions, you should provide your pets with a warm, dry space outdoors. This should also be kept away from cold drafts and should allow them to lie down or sit in a comfortable position. It shouldn’t be large, too; it should be just right to keep your pet’s warmth regulated. Try to raise the floor some inches off the ground and provide more insulation; wood shavings or straw should be sufficient. Remember to keep the enclosure away from cold drafts!
Keep Their Paws Away from Chemicals
Do you use chemicals when you clear the sidewalk or to melt the snow? If you do, remember that these get on your pet’s paws when they walk. Remember to keep your pet’s mitts off these chemicals, for they tend to lick their paws, and when they do, they will have these chemicals on their mouth instead of away from it. It goes without saying that anti-freeze is something you shouldn’t let your pets ingest. Create a path away from the salt- or antifreeze-laden pathways. This is also the part where wiping your pet’s paws come in – it’s to help remove the chemicals if they happened to walk on those paths.
Pets always love us with a 100% conviction, so we should return that love by ensuring they’re protected from chemicals and the cold. Remember to let your pet in, and if they can’t come inside, remember to keep a space where they can stay warm and comfortable against the freezing temperatures.
